Key Largo Bug Hunting Info?????

[fldiver1]

Can anyone tell me how the bug hunting is in Key Largo this time of year?? Me and a few buddies are going down this weekend to do some diving and a coule of them want to try to find some lobster. Never done this myself so ANY info would be greatly appreciated. We are booked on a boat where the capt. says he'll take us out of the Sanctuary area to some holes that he knows that should be good for some bugs. Like I said though, ANY INFO would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys and gals!!!

 

[Johnoly]

Reports that I've been getting from my spearo buddies down there say they are still finding bugs here and there. Weather might just squeak by this weekend with waves in the 2-4's range. Viz lately has been exceptional.

If this is your first time hunting for them, purchase a tickle stick and net combo kit sold at many local dive shops. Also make sure that you have purchased a saltwater license with a crawdad stamp available from the Walmart Sports counter.

As for tips, the best 2 that I can suggest is first when approaching a bug, hold the tickle stick with only 2 fingers and move your hand in super slo-mo as you move the bug towards the net. Don't let the bug see the net and put it behind him and walk the bug into the net. Lastly, watch your air closely. Be safe, no bug is worth your life.

Best of luck to you !!

 

[fldiver1]

As far as the license and stamp, I was told that the boat we are going on is licensed so we don't have to have one?? I heard that you have to move VERY slowly with them. Anyway, thanks for the tips. Any other info would be appreciated guys.

 

[Johnoly]

As far as the license and stamp, I was told that the boat we are going on is licensed so we don't have to have one??

A commercial rod and reel boat can hold a captains charter license that covers his charter passengers. This does not apply to lobsters. Each individual diver must have on his person (or in his divebag) a saltwater license with a crawdad stamp. Together I think it's less than 15 bucks. Every year during mini-season in the Key's, someone gets caught with bugs and no license. The police can and will confiscate all of your dive equipment and the mode of transport (boat, car, etc). It makes the papers every season with some poor guy who lost everything.

I bug hunt almost every weekend, and I have been boarded regularly by the police to be checked. Last year, they even had a dog trained to hit on the smell of lobsters to see if any had been hidden. We stay legal, it's not worth it for a stupid lobster tail.

One last tip, there's a 30 minute video out there called Tail Tamer that is very good. I think you can even find it at the libary.

 

[fldiver1]

Ok cool, thanks. I was wondering about that license thing. Like I said, was told by the op that thier boat had license so we didnt need it but wasnt sure of that. Thanks fo rthe heads up bro.

 

[Speargirl]

Hey,

Thought you might need to know that Lobsters don't move forwards so when you tap him on his head he is going to shoot backwards in the water. Keep the net behind him and tap on his head he will bow up his tail and shoot into your net backwards. But be careful it's not that easy using a net because they can get out just as fast as they got in. I went out Sat (10th) and we had no problems finding bugs they were everywhere. In fact some of our friends took some pictures for spearboard for everyone to see check it out. www.Spearboard.com go to Miami & Florida Keys check out what everyone has been doing for the last couple of months you will be surprised.
Becky

 

[fldiver1]

Thanks, saw the pics. Looks nice!! Geez! Was it COMPLETELY flat calm that day or what?? Wish I saw conditions like that more often!

 

[Speargirl]

Well today sucks it's raining and windy, but for the most part we have beautiful weather here. We are planning another trip out as soon as it stops raining and the wind calms down. But if you ever want to know how the weather is down here just go to spearboard most everyday someone has gone on to give a weather report or spearfishing report which includes Bugs to.
Becky

 

[fldiver1]

Will do, thanks alot. We are gonna be down this coming weekend. Where do you guys hang out down there. Maybe we can get together for a beer somewhere.

 

[Speargirl]

Well this is hard to believe because we live in the land of drinking but we don't drink but everybody else we know goes to some bar in marathon. Pretty much any bar you go to has someone who has been out on the water that day either spearing or just diving. We just live it up and go home and get ready for the next day we can get out. If you want I can find out the name of the bar for you.
Becky